PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Bright indirect to partial shade; avoid direct midday sun which can scorch foliage
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing the root zone to dry out completely
Temperature
Thrives in warm tropical temperatures; protect from frost below 10°C to prevent leaf damage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Long, lanceolate glossy green leaves up to 1 m long, arranged in dense basal clumps
- Flower: Bright red overlapping bracts form a pineapple-shaped inflorescence; small white tubular blooms emerge from bract axils
- Stem: Short rhizomatous underground stems; upright leafy aerial stems
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain even soil moisture; mist foliage to boost ambient humidity
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support flowering and foliage growth
Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestationsPruning
- Remove spent flower bracts to encourage new inflorescence growth
- Trim yellowing lower leaves to maintain a tidy clumping habit
- Divide overcrowded rhizomes in early spring for propagation and to reduce competition
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no known toxic compounds
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no reported adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden plant; cut bracts used in tropical floral arrangements
